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Fragmented Thoughts 1: Wearing my comfort, no apologies!

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Struggling to fit into fashion trends? Here's my heartfelt take on choosing comfort over societal expectations when it comes to dressing up. Be yourself unapologetically! Dressing Up Is Fun — But Not Always Dressing up has always been seen as fun and exciting. But for me, it wasn’t always that simple. Right from childhood, I struggled with fitting into the "expected" way of dressing — whether it was at school, college, events, parties, trips, or even at work. There was always a silent (and sometimes loud) pressure to wear clothes in a way that pleased others. Trends, flattering fits, or styles that fit the "vibe" of a group were the norm. And when I tried to keep up with these expectations, it only led me to feel uncomfortable and disconnected from myself. I vividly remember attending a friends' meet where a friend casually suggested I wear something more "Western" to blend in. Another time, I was called out for wearing a simple kurta to a movie. ...

Why Good Friday Is Celebrated: The True Meaning Behind the Crucifixion

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  Good Friday is one of the most solemn and significant days in the Christian calendar. Observed during Holy Week on the Friday before Easter Sunday, it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for humanity. While it's a day of mourning, it also symbolizes hope, forgiveness, and the promise of resurrection. Let's delve into the importance, history, and observance of Good Friday around the world. What is Good Friday? Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday , Great Friday , or Black Friday in some cultures, marks the day Jesus Christ was crucified at Calvary. According to Christian belief, Jesus willingly suffered and died to atone for the sins of humanity, demonstrating the ultimate act of love and redemption. It is part of the Paschal Triduum, the three-day period that begins with Maundy Thursday and ends with Easter Sunday. Historical Background The events of Good Friday are recorded in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Gospels of...

"Comedy or Controversy? The Growing Dilemma for Stand-Up Comics in India"

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Over the past decade, stand-up comedy in India has evolved from a fringe art form to a cultural movement. What began in small cafés and college fests has now taken center stage on streaming platforms, ticketed shows, and even brand campaigns. Comedians like Zakir Khan, Kenny Sebastian, Biswa Kalyan Rath, and Kanan Gill brought in a fresh wave of humor that resonated with the urban Indian youth. They turned everyday frustrations, middle-class quirks, and generational gaps into laugh-out-loud moments. For a while, it seemed like Indian comedy had finally found its voice. But as the audience grew, so did the spotlight—and the scrutiny. In recent years, the stand-up scene has been marked by controversies, court cases, and growing tension between creative freedom and public sentiment. Comics like Munawar Faruqui and Kunal Kamra have faced legal trouble and backlash, not just online but in the form of canceled shows and police complaints. Sometimes, the outrage is over a joke told years ag...

Good Friday Delicacies: Hot Cross Buns and Where to Find Them in India

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Good Friday, observed during the Holy Week leading up to Easter, is a solemn day for Christians across the globe. While it's marked by prayer and reflection, traditional foods also play a meaningful role in the day’s observance. Among the most iconic Good Friday delicacies is the Hot Cross Bun —a sweet, spiced bread roll marked with a symbolic cross on top. The History Behind Hot Cross Buns Hot Cross Buns have a rich cultural and religious significance. Traditionally made on Good Friday, these soft buns are spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with raisins or currants, and topped with a flour-paste cross. The cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus, while the spices are said to represent the spices used during his burial. Other Good Friday Delicacies Around the World While Hot Cross Buns are the star, other countries also have unique Good Friday recipes: Italy: Pane di Pasqua (Easter bread with eggs) Spain: Torrijas (similar to French toast) Philippines: Bi...

The Beauty of Building Together: A Shared Journey

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  There's an undeniable beauty and strength in a couple who embarks on the journey of building their life together. It's a narrative woven with shared dreams, mutual support, and the quiet understanding that comes from navigating life's complexities side-by-side. Success achieved jointly, whether through hard work and perseverance during tough times or shared joy during prosperous periods, forges a bond that is often deeper and more meaningful. The struggles faced together become shared stories of resilience, etched into the fabric of their relationship, while the triumphs become collective celebrations, amplifying the joy. This shared journey, in its essence, is what life is about – growing, learning, and evolving alongside a partner. In a world that often glorifies instant success and individual achievement, the concept of building a life together can sometimes feel overlooked. The pressure to have it all, and to have it early, can overshadow the profound satisfaction tha...

The 30-Year Deadline: Why the Obsession with Instant Success in Marriage?

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 It's a common observation, particularly within certain social circles in India: the fervent desire of parents to see their daughters married to men who are "well-settled" – often defined by owning a house, a car, and possessing a stable, high-paying job – all before they hit the perceived milestone of 30 years old. This aspiration, while stemming from a place of parental care and a desire for their daughter's security, often raises a critical question: Is this expectation fair, and what values are we unintentionally sidelining in this relentless pursuit of early material success? Consider the reality faced by the parents themselves a generation ago. For many, acquiring a house, a car, and establishing significant financial stability was a journey that unfolded gradually, often reaching fruition in their late 30s or even 40s. They navigated career growth, saved diligently, and built their assets over time. So, why the accelerated timeline for their prospective sons-in...

The Illusion of Settled: Chasing Luxury, Losing Life

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  We live in a society that often equates "settled" with a checklist of materialistic achievements: the high-paying job, the fancy car, the sprawling apartment in a prime location. We're bombarded with images of seemingly successful individuals, draped in luxury, leading lives that appear enviable. The narrative sold to us is that these external markers are the ultimate indicators of a life well-lived, a life where one has "made it." But scratch beneath the surface of this glossy veneer, and a different reality often emerges. Many who seemingly possess these symbols of success find themselves trapped in a gilded cage. The high-paying job comes with relentless pressure, demanding long hours and constant availability, leaving little room for personal pursuits or simply breathing. The luxury items are often financed by hefty loans, creating a constant undercurrent of financial stress and the fear of losing it all. The very pursuit of this definition of "settle...